Irresistible Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball Recipe Delight

Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball is an absolute showstopper at any gathering, with its creamy texture and delightful crunch. Imagine a sphere of tangy cheese enveloped in a sweet and nutty embrace, ready to be devoured by friends and family. It’s like the party in your mouth you’ve been waiting for but without needing a DJ.

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Growing up, my family had this tradition of serving cheese balls during holiday get-togethers, and I can still see my Uncle Joe valiantly trying to contain his over-excitement while using a pretzel stick as his weapon of choice to attack the cheese ball. This delightful treat is perfect for festive occasions or cozy nights in, promising an explosion of flavor that will leave everyone clamoring for more.

Ingredients for Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Cream Cheese: Use full-fat cream cheese for a rich and creamy texture that spreads beautifully.

• Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Shredded sharp cheddar adds a zesty punch that balances the sweetness of cranberries.

• Dried Cranberries: Opt for sweetened dried cranberries; they provide bursts of tartness and color.

• Pecans: Toasted pecans give the cheese ball its crunchy exterior; chop them finely for even coverage.

• Green Onions: Sliced green onions lend freshness and a mild onion flavor that complements the cheeses perfectly.

• Garlic Powder: Just a pinch adds depth without overpowering the other flavors.

• Honey: A drizzle of honey enhances sweetness and helps bind the mixture together.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball

To create this delightful appetizer, follow these fun steps that are as easy as pie—well, maybe easier than pie!

Mixing It All Together

Start by letting your cream cheese soften at room temperature until it’s pleasantly spreadable. In a mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese with shredded cheddar cheese until fully blended. You want this mixture smooth because nobody enjoys clumps when spreading on crackers!

Adding Flavorful Goodness

Next, fold in those luscious dried cranberries along with chopped green onions and garlic powder. The cranberries add sweetness while the onions bring a fresh bite; it’s like having a party in your bowl! Drizzle in honey at this stage too—it’ll help everything stick together like glue.

Shaping Your Masterpiece

Once mixed well, transfer the mixture onto a large piece of plastic wrap. Gather up the edges and roll into a ball shape—don’t worry if it’s not perfect; perfection is overrated! Wrap it tightly and refrigerate for at least an hour to set up nicely.

Coating for Crunch

After chilling time’s up (and you’ve thought about how delicious this will be), unwrap your cheeseball masterpiece. Pour your finely chopped pecans onto a plate and roll the cheeseball around until evenly coated. This crunchy layer adds texture that contrasts beautifully with creamy goodness.

Serving It Up

To serve your Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball, place it on a decorative platter surrounded by an assortment of crackers or sliced apples. Watch as guests dive in like hungry sharks at feeding time! Enjoy every moment while you relish compliments flying your way—don’t forget to take credit; you earned it!

Storing Leftovers

Should there be any leftover (doubtful!), store your cheeseball wrapped tightly in plastic wrap in the fridge for up to five days. But let’s be real; leftovers are rarely an issue when this beauty is involved!

Now you’re ready to impress your guests with this fun-filled culinary adventure!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by blending the cream cheese until smooth. Mix in the cranberry sauce and chopped pecans. Once combined, shape it into a ball and chill. This sequence ensures even mixing and helps the flavors meld beautifully.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to experiment with ingredients! Swap dried cranberries for apricots, or use walnuts instead of pecans. Adding herbs like rosemary can also elevate the flavor profile to suit your palate.

Storing & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. For serving, simply take it out about 30 minutes before so it softens, enhancing its creamy texture and flavor.

I remember the first time I made a cranberry pecan cheese ball for a holiday party. My friends devoured it in minutes, insisting I make it every year since then!

FAQs:

What ingredients do I need for a Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball?

To make a delightful Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball, gather softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, dried cranberries, chopped pecans, green onions, garlic powder, and Worcestershire sauce. These ingredients combine to create a creamy and flavorful cheese ball that is perfect for any gathering. You can also add fresh herbs or spices to enhance the flavor profile further. Make sure you chop the cranberries and pecans finely for an even texture.

How do I serve a Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball?

Serving a Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball is simple and fun. Place it on a decorative platter and shape it into a round ball. Surround it with an assortment of crackers, apple slices, or vegetable sticks for dipping. You could also drizzle honey on top for added sweetness. This delicious appetizer is perfect for parties or holiday gatherings and will impress your guests with its vibrant colors and flavors.

Can I make the Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball in advance! It actually benefits from some chilling time in the fridge. Once you’ve shaped the cheese ball, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before serving. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just remember to roll it in chopped pecans right before serving to maintain that fresh crunch.

What variations can I try with my Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball?

There are numerous variations you can try with your Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball. For instance, consider adding crushed bacon or herbs like thyme for added flavor. You can also swap out pecans for walnuts or almonds if preferred. Experimenting with flavored cream cheese, such as garlic herb or blue cheese, can create unique taste profiles while keeping the base intact.

Conclusion for Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball:

The Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball is a versatile and crowd-pleasing appetizer perfect for any occasion. With its creamy texture and delightful blend of sweet and savory flavors, it’s easy to see why this dish is so popular at gatherings. Remember to prepare it in advance for best results and feel free to experiment with various ingredients and garnishes to suit your taste preferences. Serve it alongside your favorite dippers, and watch as guests rave about this delicious treat!

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Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball

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• Author: Jennifer
• Total Time: 53 minute
• Yield: 12 servings 1x

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Description

Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball is a festive and irresistible appetizer that combines creamy cheese with the tartness of cranberries and the crunch of pecans. Ideal for holiday gatherings or casual get-togethers, this cheese ball is not only easy to prepare but also visually stunning. Serve it alongside an array of crackers or apple slices, and watch as your guests rave about this delightful treat.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup sweetened dried cranberries, chopped
• 1 cup toasted pecans, finely chopped
• 2 green onions, sliced
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 2 tbsp honey

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Instructions

1. In a mixing bowl, blend softened cream cheese and shredded cheddar until smooth.
2. Gently fold in dried cranberries, green onions, garlic powder, and honey until well combined.
3. Transfer the mixture onto plastic wrap and shape into a ball. Wrap tightly and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm up.
4. Once chilled, roll the cheese ball in chopped pecans until evenly coated.
5. Serve on a platter with an assortment of crackers or sliced apples.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: N/A
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: No cook
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2 oz (56g)
• Calories: 160
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 210mg
• Fat: 13g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 9g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 4g
• Cholesterol: 20mg

Keywords: - For added flavor, consider using flavored cream cheese or incorporating fresh herbs like rosemary. - Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week.